Choosing Wisely:

Don’t use skin prick tests or blood tests such as the radioallergosorbent test for the routine evaluation of eczema.

Skin prick tests or blood tests may help identify the causes of allergic reactions, including hives or sneezing after exposure to dust or pollen. However, these tests are not useful for diagnosing dermatitis or eczema. When testing for suspected allergies is deemed necessary in patients with these rashes, it is better to conduct patch testing with ingredients of products that come in contact with the patient’s skin.